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We are at a turning point on federal student aid funding and I am writing to ask you to sign on to a simple statement of support that calls on our lawmakers to Save Student Aid.

Because of our nation's historic economic downturn, we've already seen $30 billion cut from our federal student aid programs. The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, also known as the Super Committee, has until Nov. 23 to come up with a plan to reduce the nation's debt. Federal student aid could very well be on the chopping block and students need your voice to defend the programs that grant access to postsecondary education.

As you know, this is an incredibly challenging time for students all over the country, including those you serve on a daily basis. The recession has driven more students back to campus to improve their skills and job prospects, and a lot of those students have higher economic needs. Meanwhile, federal and state governments have cut back their support. It is critical to preserve what financial aid is still available for deserving students so they can better qualify for the jobs that will help our economy grow.

As student aid administrators you see evidence of these situations everyday on your college campus. But Super Committee members and other members of Congress need to hear more-and they need to hear it from as many people as possible, particularly those of you who work directly with students.

That's why the Student Aid Alliance, a coalition of national higher education organizations representing thousands of campuses and millions of presidents, students, faculty and administrators has organized a campaign to Save Student Aid. The campaign will reach to out to all campus constituencies, encouraging grassroots involvement. As one of the founding members of the Alliance, NASFAA encourages you to join us in this campaign.

As the Super Committee's deadline nears, we need your help. Please sign our statement of support, expressing the opinion that for our country's short- and long-term economic health, student aid funding must be preserved. This is a simple and easy step to make your voice heard.

If you're interested in getting more involved after you've signed on, you'll see other options for actions you can take by visiting NASFAA's Save Student Aid Facebook campaign.

Your voice is powerful and students need it now more than ever. Please join your fellow administrators as well as the students from across the country in asking the Super Committee and our lawmakers to Save Student Aid.

Statement of Support link:

http://action.studentaidalliance.org/5371/save-student-aid-statement-support/